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Jane By Design Review: Second Chances and Sacrifices

If you were given a second chance, would you take it? Would you make a sacrifice to give that opportunity to someone you care about? Those were the questions that were answered on "The Back Up Dress"

Ever since Jane's mother returned, it was only a matter of time before Kate left again. In this instance, she didn't run away from responsibility and commitment, she ran towards it. As much as Jane needs her mother, Jane did the right thing by letting her mom go. Her mother was given the chance to find true happiness with Dakota, plus she wasn't abandoning Jane this time. Kate has succeeded where she failed before. Her and Jane should continue to have a healthy, though long distance, mother-daughter relationship.

The surprise was that Ben left Jane too. He made sacrifices for Jane after their father died and she couldn't let him give up his second chance. I was worried that Ben would find out their mother left and stay with Jane. That would have been a shame. Jane was a good and supportive sister by not telling him. It was a real sign of maturity in that moment.

Why does one person have to give up something for another person to have their dream? Ying and Yang? Rita finally decided to tell Ben that she still loved him, but she just couldn't tempt him to stay. Fingers crossed that Ben doesn't find someone else on the road, because he and Rita belong together.

Even Nick gave up his role in the play to save his friendship with Billy. In his case, he was paying a price for his actions with Lulu, but ultimately he put his friend first. Now, hopefully Zoe will take Billy back, since she is good for him. And, really, his mistake was very understandable. If she can't understand his reaction given what happened with Nick and Lulu, then she isn't worth it.

While we were hit over the head with the second chance and sacrifice themes, it worked. More than any other time, the characters moved forward in their lives. They each realized what was important to them and took a step forward whether for themselves or for someone they care about.

When Jane By Design focuses on the characters rather than Jane's two separate lives and her lie, it is a more entertaining and better show. The character changes made in these new episodes have been an improvement. I liked Jeremy, but Eli is a much better fit for Jane as a co-worker and romantic interest. And, Zoe is more likeable and provides a better contrast to Jane than Lulu ever did.

With only two episodes left this season, are you happy with the changes? And do you agree with the second chances taken and the sacrifices made?

Follow Jane By Design

jacky•June 20, 2013 22:54

i loved this episode like all the other onesseason 2 please ?

fernando•July 18, 2012 23:33

I felt like this episode should have been a season finale, like Jane is left alone to live alone,then the whole time they are on break we wonder how in the heck will she live alone and if it works outs, plus Rita is left heart broken because ben left and she could not tell him the truth. But I am looking forward to next week and see how long Jane does stay alone. ABC Family please give Jane By Design a season 2

Anna•July 18, 2012 20:35

I really like Eli with Jane, but he is probably a bit too old for her and when he finds out the truth, it probably won't go so well. I just think that Jeremy and Jane should eventually get back together. He is much better for her when they mature.

Kimy•July 18, 2012 13:52

I really liked this episode. Eli and Jane have really good chemistry, so glad they kissed! I do think it was too bad Rita didn't say how she felt, but I know she did the right thing. And I totally agree that Ben and Rita belong together. I can hardly wait till next episode, how long will it take for Jane to keep her secret. I mean, what if her and Eli are going to be in a relationship? She's gonna have to tell him the truth eventually... just guessing here. Great episode!